Retributed And Redempted Love

Chapter 43

Sorry for the delay, got stuck up with my work. Updating in between my hectic schedule, so please comment about your opinion about this chapter💜🥲. Next chapter update only after reaching 40+ comments.

Let's get into the story,

Three days had passed since Saakshi moved into Shravan's house.
The initial awkward silences had softened. The space, once unfamiliar, had started molding itself gently around her presence.

The faint scent of agarbathi still lingered in the air from the morning. Light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns across the floor.

Saakshi had just finished feeding Shivu his lunch, his tiny fingers now sticky with curd rice. He was babbling animatedly about something that involved a "blue dog" and "jumping clouds," while Saakshi tried to keep a straight face - failing miserably.

From the kitchen, Shravan peeked in with a half-smile.

Shravan (casually):
"Sofa or bed?"

Saakshi (considering):
"Sofa. Just for a while."

Shravan crossed the room and gently crouched beside her wheelchair. He didn't ask again. He simply made space.

She rested one hand on his shoulder, and with quiet coordination, he helped her up - one arm steady around her waist, the other slipping under her knees. Each shift was deliberate, cautious.

Once settled on the sofa, he tucked a cushion behind her lower back and carefully raised her legs onto the footrest. She let out a small sigh - not of pain, but relief.

Saakshi (softly):
"Better."

Shravan (placing a shawl over her legs):
"Told you. My sofa has healing powers."

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile slipped through.

Shivu toddled over in his signature style - fast little steps on knees and palms. He grabbed his plushie along the way and scrambled onto the sofa beside her, half-climbing onto her lap, one foot clumsily thumping against Shravan's thigh.

Shivu (grinning):
"Amma comfy?"

Saakshi:
"Very. Thanks to my helper."

She pointed to Shivu. He puffed his chest with pride and looked at Shravan.

Shivu:
"Appa-kum dha...nks!"

Saakshi:
"Haan haan, romba thanks Shravan. Solliyachu pothuma, Shivu?"
(Very much thanks Shravan. Is it enough Shivu?)

Shravan controlled his laugh, looking at Shivu, who was now seriously checking his reaction.

Shivu:
"Appa-ku ogayy?"

He held up a proud thumbs-up.

Shravan acted like he was thinking, adjusting his collar dramatically.

Shravan:
"Okay ana..."
(Okay but..)

He dragged the words mischievously. Saakshi glared at him without Shivu noticing - Shravan gulped in mock fear.

Shravan (quickly):
"Double okay!"

Shivu clapped and wrapped both his arms around Shravan and Saakshi's neck.

Saakshi laughed and gently caressed Shivu's back, while Shravan leaned in and kissed the boy's head.

Shravan leaned back, one arm draped along the backrest of the sofa, watching the pair - Amma and son - now curled against one another.

He didn't speak much. Just took it in.